Islas de Gigantes
8:36 AM
Islas de Gigantes - situated in the humble municipality of Carles, Iloilo.
Last week of December 2014, we had an opportunity to visit these island chain. Mind you, it was not an easy breezy travel.
Booked a boat ticket from Cebu to Iloilo. Departed at 6pm on the 26th and arrived in Iloilo the next day around 7am.
Since it was our first time, we were not familiar with the place. Tried looking for a place for breakfast within the port's vicinity but wasn't able to find one.
With a growling stomach, we headed to Tagbak terminal. We rode a PUJ from the port, stopped at Plaza Jaro. Rode another PUJ going to Tagbak terminal. Total damage was Php16 each.
When we reached Tagbak terminal, we've decided to take a van over the Ceres bus. Van's route should be heading to Estancia, Iloilo. It was a 2-3 hour ride. Fare was Php 150 each.
We reached Estancia, Iloilo around 1:00pm. Passenger boat's schedule is only once per day. Boat leaves at 2pm from Estancia port. We reached the port an hour early, so we had a late lunch in one of the hole-in-the-wall food stalls nearby.
Since we are Hideaway Resort's guest, we did not pay the boat's fare. It's already part of our Php 2,000 per head package. But if you'll go there without tapping to any resort package, the fare is Php 80.
*Update*
Price as of March 2017
Php 2,745 per person for 2 nights stay, full board meals, and Island Hopping
Hideaway Resort: 0918 468 5006
*Update*
Price as of March 2017
Php 2,745 per person for 2 nights stay, full board meals, and Island Hopping
Hideaway Resort: 0918 468 5006
The 3-hour boat ride was spine - chilling. Our outrigger boat was slicing through the waves. But bigger waves made the ride breathtaking. But due to the long trip, our body got tired and slept the thrill away.
We safely reached the island. To be honest, the beach wasn't that amazing.
We were welcomed with a cup of coffee. Surprisingly, the resort is full of tourists! Part of our package were full - board meals, overnight stay, boat transfers, tours, and island hopping. Plus we had our own assigned guide.
Hideaway's beach front is not tempting at all. You'll not see tourists swimming, but rubbish floating. The situation is depressing.
We didn't have much action on the first day. We slept and recharged for the next day.
Island Hopping Day
Started the day with a bit of spelunking/caving in a nearby cave - Bakwitan cave. The name came from the word, "evacuate". This cave served as a temporary shelter for the locals, especially when a catastrophe would hit the island.
The caving experience was ordinary but it's definitely a great addition to the tour.
After caving, we went back, had breakfast, and prepared for the main event - island hopping.
I've been to a lot of Island hopping escapades. And I was expecting for a boring one. To my surprise, it was amazing! It was not the usual. It was worth my money and time.
We visited around 4 - 5 islands during the trip. Cabugao Gamay, Cabugao Dako, Antonia Beach, Tangke Lagoon, and Bantigue Island
We visited around 4 - 5 islands during the trip. Cabugao Gamay, Cabugao Dako, Antonia Beach, Tangke Lagoon, and Bantigue Island
We enjoyed the sea breeze, the sun, the sand, the water, and everything that came in with the experience. I'll not elaborate more on my experience but definitely, it's a sure hit!
0 comments